Clouds lift for The Portlands

The Portlands

Published:16:59Monday 19 March 2012

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FOLK-rockers The Portlands can certainly subscribe to the saying that good things come to those who wait.

The five-piece, whose sound blends American country riffs with British traditional folk, a touch of stadium rock grandeur and vocal harmonies influenced by the likes of Simon and Garfunkel, are finally preparing to release their latest EP, Noctilucent.

The band laid down the tracks last summer, working with Jerry Donahue of folk-rock legends Fairport Convention, but a series of difficulties meant the release has had to wait until next month.

The Portlands, comprised of guitarist and lead vocalist Dook Dootson, 24, guitarists and backing vocalists Nick Dunai, 24, and Tim Isherwood, 24, bassist David Isherwood, 23, and drummer Max Winnington, 21, are relieved fans will finally be able to hear Noctilucent.

Dook said: “It’s just been a really long, drawn-out process. Jerry spends the winter in LA and it was mastered there too, so it’s taken ages.

“The title refers to a type of cloud, which is illuminated by the sun at night. It’s a light in the dark image, a reminder that in hard times there’s always positives.

“Recording the EP was great. Jerry is just a brilliant guitarist with incredible technique, and to be able to sit and jam with him was a terrific life experience.

The EP will be released on The Portlands’ own label, Dusk Records, which is also promoting a night of bands from the borough, including The Lottery Winners and Jeramiah Ferrari, at Manchester’s Deaf Institute on March 24.

Dook said: “The label is all about bringing people together, and our band name is derived from that too.

“It’s a homage to the scene in Portland, Oregon, where everyone helps each other out and lends equipment and instruments. That’s what we’re about too, helping promote the music rather than individual egos.”

Dook says the band are already writing demos for the follow-up to Noctilucent, and will also be promoting their tunes across northern England and Germany, where a two-week tour has been arranged for this autumn.

Visit theportlands.net or search The Portlands on Facebook for information.